Texas Constable Accused Of Looting Shuttle Debris
U.S. Attorney Says Other Investigations Pending
POSTED: 2:54 p.m. EST February 10, 2003
UPDATED: 3:09 p.m. EST February 10, 2003
LUFKIN, Texas -- An East Texas lawman was arrested Monday, accused of looting debris from the space shuttle Columbia.
Sources told Houston's KPRC-TV that Harrison County Constable Robert Hagan, who is an elected official, has been charged with theft of government property.
U.S. Attorney Michael Orwig said Hagan is accused of taking a
piece of tile and other debris while helping with recovery efforts
in the Nacogdoches, Texas, area.
Hagan was spotted over the weekend with significant amounts of shuttle debris in his patrol car, sources said.
Court documents said that Hagan allegedly showed the shuttle items to other law officers when he returned home to Marshall on Feb. 2.
The Harrison County sheriff has confiscated the debris and relieved Hagan of his badge and gun, authorities said.
So far, three people have been charged with theft of government
property related to looting of shuttle debris.
The other two suspects were arrested last week.
Orwig says his staff is working 10 to 20 other active
investigations.
Hagan is expected to face a court appearance Monday in Tyler.
All seven astronauts died when the shuttle broke apart Feb. 1 over East Texas and Louisiana.
Sources told Houston's KPRC-TV that Harrison County Constable Robert Hagan, who is an elected official, has been charged with theft of government property.
U.S. Attorney Michael Orwig said Hagan is accused of taking a
piece of tile and other debris while helping with recovery efforts
in the Nacogdoches, Texas, area.
Hagan was spotted over the weekend with significant amounts of shuttle debris in his patrol car, sources said.
Court documents said that Hagan allegedly showed the shuttle items to other law officers when he returned home to Marshall on Feb. 2.
The Harrison County sheriff has confiscated the debris and relieved Hagan of his badge and gun, authorities said.
So far, three people have been charged with theft of government
property related to looting of shuttle debris.
The other two suspects were arrested last week.
Orwig says his staff is working 10 to 20 other active
investigations.
Hagan is expected to face a court appearance Monday in Tyler.
All seven astronauts died when the shuttle broke apart Feb. 1 over East Texas and Louisiana.Copyright 2003 by NBC5i.com. The Associated Press contributed to this report. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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